Modals of ability, possibility and permission - 1

Introduction

These five verbs are examples of modal verbs:

• can
• could
• be able to
• may
• might

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express ideas like ability, permission, possibility, and necessity.
Many modal verbs have more than one meaning.
They are always followed by the simple form of a verb (infinitive).

Example: Alan can swim well.
(This shows that Alan has the ability to swim.)